10th Edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 Begins

Monday 19th February saw the start of the long awaited 10th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600. Starting just outside the historic English Harbour, crowds lined the cliff top above Hercules Pillars to see the magnificent spectacle of over eighty sailing yachts begin the challenging and demanding race, circum-navigating around eleven of the Caribbean islands, to win the coveted trophy.

The RORC Caribbean 600 had rapidly gained in popularity over the years and is a favourite with off-shore sailors wanting to challenge themselves. The stunning scenery may end up passing in a blur this year as competitors see themselves facing some of the toughest conditions ever seen in this race. With 20 knots forecast for the initial three days, and with gusts of more than 30 knots, squalls, and significant wave height of two metres, building to three by Wednesday, it is setting out to be an exhilarating race for the participants.

The view from Fort Charlotte, as the boats prepare for the start of the race.

Crews adjusting the sails before the race begins

The race commences at 11am

The record for the monohull was set in 2011 by George David, in Rambler 100, with an amazing time of 40 hours 20 minutes and 02 secs. The record for the multihull was set in 2016, by Lloyd Thornburg and Brian Thompson, in MOD70 Phaedo 3, with an jaw dropping 31 hours 59 minutes and 04 seconds.

With such quick times we could be expecting the first yachts back as early as tomorrow night!